Ford Glass problem

[dwrs]

I have been doing this for 18 months now. I a
have been experienced crack out 3 times, all were Ford Explorers.
All were small chips with batwing like cracks less than 1 inch. As soon as ANY pressure was applied, they cracked out. I used the least amount of pressure on the break as possible. Lowered the plunger slowly. did all I can think of but still they cracked. I have done others that did not, Fords I mean, but has anyone else found this to be a problem? anyideas?

[CV Windshield Repair]

What repair system do you use? How far from the edge of the glass were the chips? Did you drill and tap a bullseye? What was the viscosity of your resin? How hot was the glass?

[dwrs]

None of the breaks were near the edge at all. No, I did not drill them. They are small with batwing like shadow cracks. Temp was under 80 and out of the sun. I use delta kits, and resin is Probond 5040. I have not had any problems with any other makes. I do the same routine with all. I drill, but not everytime. I have successfully filled the same type break in other makes with no negative results. I was just wondering if Ford has softer glass or something.

[tooldini]

I can recall having an explorer crack on me after just gently applying a pressure cycle. I mean very very gently, my wife was shocked because I so gently with all my repairs. Maybe there is just a lot of extra stress on the shield with that model. That is the only vehicle I had that happen with.

Jeff

[ClearView WRS]

About A Few Months Ago I Was Gonna Start The Same Thread! I Have Noticed That Too. I Hate Fixing Windshields On Explorers!

[CV Windshield Repair]

Has anyone who has had this problem remember the name of the manufactuer of the glass?

[dwrs]

Well, I am glad to hear others are having this problem. It renews my faith in my ability, If that means anything!! I don't know the manufacturer of the glass,but I will pay attention. I had another today, repaired successfully. Good thing, it is the personal vehicle of one of my best customers. It was very similar to the one that cracked out the other day. This time I did not hesitate, I drilled it. I did it gently. Then began to fill it. I lowered the plunger very carefully and observered the crack. As the resin began to flow I saw no movement. I went on to clean repair. I talked to a local guy who does replacements and he says Ford Explorers have a problem, but no one admits to it. Ford is the #1 selling vehicle in all classes is my neck of the woods, so it is a concern. That is why I came on here, to see if anyone has figured it out. I have decided to drill everyone unless I find a better solution. Ofcourse, I have only one documentation that it works. Good luck, and thanks. I enjoy coming here to read what people have written. Even if it doesn't pertain to me at the time, I read it and file it away in my memory. Boy, that's scary I better start writing them down!

[StarQuest]

I've personally never experienced a Ford Explorer WSR problem but that doesn't mean there might not be one.

After reading your post I searched the web for any service bulletins on windshields defects or customer complaints and the only thing I found was mainly related to wiper motor problems with this model. If there is a structural stress issue with this shield they've hidden it pretty well.

I can tell you about one vehicle I've had problems with in the past and that is the 2002-2003 Honda Element and I did locate a service windshield bulletin on this one! Lower passenger side flange is uneven which puts additional stress to this area of shield. So be very wary of doing repairs in this area on this vehicle.

The one that I popped happened during light drilling to clean out loose glass from pit area. Cracked out (8"-10") in 3 different directions!!! Try explaining that one to customer.

Maybe Jeff could add another category to this forum dedicated strictly to manufactured design flaws with windshields?

[Bois]

StarQuest,
Thanks for the info on Honda Element. I repaired one today for GEICO. Small bat-wing lower passenger side. I took it slow & easy. Worked out just fine. Thanks again for the warning.

Dale...

[tooldini]

I was wrong I checked my records and the one that cracked on me was a GMC envoy not a Ford Explorer. I supspect that if others had the explorer crack happen there may be an issue with them or a bunch of bad luck. Luckily my customers were understanding and realized there was a damaged windshield to begin with. Nice to have some smart customers sometimes

Jeff